Shower ’n bathtub masturbation 101

You shower daily, so why not take advantage of all that naked solo time with a little shower or bathtub masturbation? Chances are, if you're an experienced masturbator—or even just a keen one—you've figured out that your bathroom is a great place to get yours. Not only does it offer privacy, and hot steam to relax your muscles, but hey, the bath or shower makes it excellently easy to clean up any, um, hot steamy messes you might make.

If you’re wondering why on earth anyone would masturbate someplace other than a nice, comfy bed, it’s all down to shaking things up, baby. Just as one might wish to “spice up” sex with a partner, masturbation ruts are a thing too, but creativity, as ever, is the resounding solution. And really, even in the absence of a rut, exploring new territory is a stellar way to have some good, clean (dirty, nasty) fun—if you do it right.

Things to consider: comfort & safety

While it may seem totally on par with partnered shower sex or water sex, solo water play has its own set of important considerations—you know, things you may not think of that are bound to make the experience comfier and safer. 

- Keep it clean. The first thing you absolutely need to do before getting down and dirty in the tub or shower is to make sure it's clean—the faucet, the jets, the shower-head, the basin—all that jazz. No sense exposing yourself to harmful bacteria. This is of course even more crucial if your plan is to lay supine in your tub.

- Make your space toy-friendly. This just in: there are shower curtains with convenient pockets that can be used as a liner to hold any and all waterproof sex toys you desire. Bonus: the variety of pocket sizes can hold pretty much anything, from a wand vibrator to your most compact bullet vibe.

- Get a bath pillow. You can pick one up at any drugstore—they stick to the back of your tub with suction cups, and will make any bathtub rendezvous that much more comfortable and  delicious. You can lose yourself that much more knowing you won’t bang your head in the heat of the moment.

- Get a non-slip mat. A skid-proof tub mat is sorta kinda a must if you're going to have leg-quaking sessions in the shower—you gotta make sure you don't slip. Installing a grab bar on your shower wall is also not a bad idea, because having something to hold onto can definitely help you to really let go—ironic, right?

- Set the right temperature. Always check the water temperature with your hands first before splashing it on your vagina—you want to avoid burning yourself at all costs.

- Don’t spray water inside yourself. This may or may not go without saying: don’t use a shower-head or faucet for penetrative masturbation as this can disrupt the microbiome of your vagina and lead to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Don’t try inserting the entire shower-head into your vagina either. Finally, if there’s a micro-tear or fissure on your genitals, avoid exposing it to the pressure of a shower-head until you’ve healed.

Now for the good stuff: how to get yourself off in your shower or tub

If you’re all in but need a little wet ’n wild inspiration, consider the following ways of exploring a little bath-time self-pleasure:

- Your shower-head: If your shower-head is old, gunked up, non-detachable, or lacking in pressure options, you should strongly consider upgrading. A detachable shower-head is 100% the right move for anyone who enjoys a wet 'n wild quickie, since they usually have multiple modes to play with and you can make sure the water is not to strong or too gentle, while also perfectly aimed at your clit.

- The “bathtub technique”: The "bathtub technique" is a tried and true masturbation method. It's hands-free and only requires having a tub. It’s simple, really: scoot your butt down towards the drain and position yourself directly beneath the faucet. Then, luxuriate in that trickle-down effect, nam sayin’? If your flexibility is lacking or you don't want to go through the hassle of scooting down, you might consider a faucet extender—they simply tie around your faucet and flow the water further out toward you.

- Waterproof toys:  The shower or bath is the perfect place to play with waterproof toys like the Pebble or the AirVibe because the extra moisture helps the toy create a seal, which is key to really feeling those suction sensations. Not to mention, you probably won’t hear these already quiet toys above the sound of running water, so your naughty mind can truly take the lead. The Bullet Soft Touch is another mind-altering clit vibe option, as is the Diskreet Thrust, with its penetrative take on bath vibe pleasure. Oh, and then there’s the Bellesa Luxe Dildo, complete with a suction cup that secures it to the side of your tub or shower. Need I say more?

- Lube that works in water: Indulge in some simple fingering, stroking, or penetration with a quality silicone-based lube—a waterproof option that’s sure to last. While the usual go-to on dry land is water-based lube, it will wash away too easily. And oil-based lube will be messy, difficult to clean and break down your condoms. Be forewarned though, that silicone-based lube will degrade silicone toys, so they should not be used together. 

- Audio erotica: Sure, you can always read some erotica before gettin’ down (being sure to keep the pages/device a safe distance from the water), or you could watch some porn (again keeping your device a very safe distance from the water), but the advantage of audio erotica is that you can listen as you explore, without the need to crane your neck for a better glimpse. Not to mention, your imagination will fill in the gaps, and your mind is the kinkiest toy at your disposal—you heard it here first.

Takeaway: rub-a-dub-dub, rub one out in the tub. Pleasure to power, vibe it out in the shower. Happy splash-time to all you sexy water-babes. Enjoy! <3